published_or_final_version / Ecology and Biodiversity / Doctoral / Doctor of Philosophy

No description available.

published_or_final_version / Ecology and Biodiversity / Doctoral / Doctor of Philosophy

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Hong Kong, 1998. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 605-647).

No description available.

This dissertation exaDines the international history ot the Gulf region during the period from 1958 to 1979. It begins with the tall of the Iraqi DOnarchy and ends with the tall ot the Shah of Iran. Particular attention is paid throughout to the establishment of the new Gulf states and their e.ergence into 'DOdernity'. In Chapter I we deal with the historical background of the Gulf states, Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and ODan. Besides the historical background we also deal !1th recent social, economic and political developments within all of these states. Special attention has been paid to the culture, religion and SOCiety of our subjects since these factors playa major role in the domestic and external decision-making. Faysal of Saudi Arabia, for example, formed his policies according to his strong Islaldc beliefs. In Chapter II we deal with the conflicts and disputes aDOng our subjects. Disputes over whole territory, as in the case of the Iraqi claim over Kuwait and the Iranian claim over Bahrain or disputes over islands which one state believes to be part of its national territory but which claim is disputed - the Iranian claim to the two Tunbs and Abu Xusa or the Bahraini claim to Zubara, for example, or disputed claims by several parties - in the case of the Buraimi Dassis between Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi and Oman. These claims became important as a result of the oil discoveries in our region and the establishwent of new states deepened some of these conflicts. There have also been important strategiC considerations at stake - for example, with regard to the Iraq! c1ai .. to the two Kuwaiti islands of Warba and Bubiyan.In Chapter III we look at the involvement of the superpowers in the region. Particular attention 1s g1ven to the relationships between theUnited States and Iran and between the United States and Saudi Arabia on the one hand and that between the Soviet Union and Iraq on the other. Attention has inevitably focussed upon military rivalry and the development of armed forces. In the sUbsequent chapters the emphasis changes. We dealwith the region as a whole and look at events as they involve all the countries concerned. These chapters cover the entire period from 19~8 to 1979 on a daily basis by watching its politically dynamic developments. starting with the fall of the Iraqi monarchy and the emergence of the revolutionary regime in its place and ending with the downfall of the Shah of Iran in 1979. That has entailed consideration of the fate of the Iraqi revolution and the emergence and fragile independence of Kuwait. Another significant landmark 1s the British announcement 1n 1968 of their determination to bring their long-established role in the region to an end three years later. That in turn leads to a consideration of the politics of the establishment of the United Arab Emirates and also of the international aspects of the Omani question. The final chapters consider the 'Algiers Accord' between Iran and Iraq and the dispute over the Bhatt al-Arab waterway. Considerable note is taken of the Kurdish revolt in its various phases. The thesis comes to an end by describing the downfall of the Shah and the international evaluation of its significance.

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published_or_final_version / Ecology and Biodiversity / Doctoral / Doctor of Philosophy

No description available.

Genetic variation in Calamus subinermis was investigated in a provenance cum progeny trial and a study on some quantitative morphological traits. These studies show that variation occurs within and among populations of the species. Genetic gain was estimated for provenance and family selection at a range of selection intensity based on some economic traits. A karyomorphological study on C. subinermis and C. caesius reveals little variation in the chromosome morphology between and within species. The flowering and fruiting phenology of C. subinermis, C. caesius, C. manan and C. trachycoleus was elucidated. Except for the relatively opportunistic C. subinermis, in which floral initiation occurred at about four-month intervals, flowering and fruiting of the Calamus species investigated exhibited a regular annual pattern. Unravelling of the pollination mechanism and floral biology of C. subinermis and C. caesius in this project enables understanding of the breeding system and is important in breeding programmes. Pollination mainly by small noctuid and pyralid moths, which have small foraging ranges, partly accounts for the observed divergence among geographically isolated populations of C. subinermis. The discovery of andromonoecy in C. subinermis, together with the potential bisexuality in the other generally dioecious calamoid genera, calls for modification in the present system of classification for the tribe Calameae, and has implications for natural and artificial pollination. Several rattan mensuration techniques were developed. Growth and yield models based on the Richards function were constructed for C. caesius. These techniques and models will contribute to the conservation with wise use of rattan resources. Recommendations for further research are given for attaining the goal of the project.